The Rocky Zabargad St John’s Diving Safari is a true expedition-style Red Sea liveaboard that takes divers deep into the southern reefs, combining remote offshore islands with vast coral systems and legendary pelagic encounters. This itinerary blends the dramatic walls of Rocky Island, the vibrant coral landscapes of Zabargad, the maze-like reefs of St John’s, the lagoons of Fury Shoals, and the iconic shark encounters of Elphinstone. Designed for adventurous divers, the Rocky Zabargad St John’s Diving Safari offers exceptional biodiversity, varied underwater topography, and unforgettable long-range diving experiences.
Rocky Island
Rocky Island is one of the most thrilling offshore dive sites in the southern Red Sea and a highlight of any Rocky Safari. Rising sharply from deep blue water, this small rocky outcrop features steep walls, strong currents, and outstanding visibility. These conditions attract large pelagic species, including grey reef sharks, silvertip sharks, barracudas, and hunting tuna. The walls are covered with sea fans, black corals, and colorful soft corals, while reef crevices hide moray eels, nudibranchs, and schooling snapper. Diving Rocky Island is fast-paced, dynamic, and ideal for wide-angle photography.
Zabargad Island
Zabargad Island adds balance and diversity to the Zabargad Safari portion of the itinerary. Known for its sloping reefs, coral gardens, and swim-throughs, Zabargad offers slightly calmer conditions while still delivering rich marine life. Divers can expect encounters with turtles, eagle rays, napoleon wrasse, and large schools of reef fish moving across the reef slopes. The varied underwater terrain makes Zabargad ideal for relaxed exploration dives, macro photography, and extended bottom times between more adrenaline-filled offshore dives.
St John’s Reefs
St John’s is one of the most extensive and visually stunning reef systems in the Red Sea and the heart of the St John’s Safari experience. This remote area is famous for its coral labyrinths, pinnacles, and swim-through caves, offering endless variety across multiple dives. Sites such as Big Gota, Small Gota, and Umm Khararim are home to pristine hard and soft corals, schooling anthias, reef sharks, rays, and occasional dolphins. The complexity of the reef structure makes St John’s ideal for both wide-angle scenery and macro life spotting.
Fury Shoals
The Fury Shoals Safari introduces divers to a unique mix of shallow lagoons, coral gardens, and vibrant reef systems. This region is known for its sheltered conditions and exceptional coral health. At sites like Shaab Satayah, divers and snorkelers often encounter large pods of wild spinner dolphins, while reefs such as Claudia and Malahi feature dramatic coral formations and swim-through tunnels. Marine life includes turtles, giant moray eels, reef sharks, and dense schools of reef fish, making Fury Shoals both relaxing and visually spectacular.
Elphinstone Reef
Elphinstone Reef is one of the Red Sea’s most legendary dive sites and the grand finale of the Elphinstone Safari. This narrow offshore reef is famous for its deep walls, strong currents, and consistent shark encounters. Divers frequently spot oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerheads, and grey reef sharks along the reef’s northern and southern plateaus. Covered in soft corals, sea fans, and gorgonians, Elphinstone offers dramatic scenery and adrenaline-filled dives that perfectly conclude the Rocky Zabargad St John’s Tour.